HIS paintings captured Glasgow in the 50s, 60s and 70s, through turbulent times and rapid change.

Now one of Herbert Whone’s famous works is up for auction - and it has a fascinating link with the late, great Scottish entertainer Johnny Beattie....

Whone was born in Yorkshire, but moved to Glasgow to join the then Scottish National Orchestra.

Whone with Joan Eardley at the McLellan Galleries in 1958

Whone with Joan Eardley at the McLellan Galleries in 1958

He was a talented violinist and he spent nine years with the orchestra, seven as deputy leader.

It was during this time he started to paint the city, and he exhibited around the city.

Our archives have a fantastic shot of him with fellow Glasgow artist Joan Eardley at his exhibition in the McLellan Galleries in 1958.

His work was much admired by Johnny Beattie and his wife Kitty Lamont, and a rare and evocative painting of Glasgow by Whone is about to go under the hammer at a prestigious auction.

Herbert Whones painting Glasgow Tram

Herbert Whone's painting Glasgow Tram

Glasgow Tram is being sold by Johnny’s family and the oil on board is scheduled to feature in The Scottish Contemporary Art Auction at McTear’s on Sunday, June 20.

The painting, which was completed in 1962, was purchased directly from the artist and has remained in the Beattie family ever since.

It shows one of Glasgow’s last trams travelling along a rain-soaked street with a couple in the foreground, and is a classic example of Whone’s work.

JOHNNY BEATTIE WITH KITTY LAMONT , DAUGHTER MAUREEN AND SONS PAUL AND MARK in 1963

JOHNNY BEATTIE WITH KITTY LAMONT , DAUGHTER MAUREEN AND SONS PAUL AND MARK in 1963

“Dad loved his art but it was my mum, Kitty Lamont, who purchased the Herbert Whone directly from the artist,” explains Louise Beattie, Johnny’s daughter.

“I am pretty sure she bought it when they lived in Partickhill which means it has been in the family for almost 60 years.

“The painting has been admired and commented on many times over the years. In fact the artist tried to buy it back at one point, although we politely declined.”

Johnny and Kitty with the painting.

Johnny and Kitty with the painting.

Louise adds: “We have had a lot of pleasure from the piece but after so many years and following the passing of my dad, we all agreed that it was time for another art lover to get some enjoyment from the work.”

Born and raised in Yorkshire, Herbert Whone, who died in 2011, moved to Glasgow in 1955 where he produced a series of acclaimed paintings showing the changing face of the city.

Factories in the Snow, another of Whones Glasgow works.

Factories in the Snow, another of Whone's Glasgow works.

The artist’s works can be found in many public collections including Glasgow Museums and The Scottish National Gallery of Modern Art,.

Works by the artist rarely come to auction and art experts at McTear’s estimate this one could fetch between £8000 and £12,000.

McTear’s Managing Director Brian Clements said: “This fantastic painting depicts a 1960s Glasgow scene that Johnny Beattie and his wife Kitty Lamont would have known very well indeed.

“It is an evocative work that illustrates Whone’s style perfectly as he brings to life the last days of the city’s trams."

Johnny Beattie

Johnny Beattie

Times Past favourite Johnny, who died last year, was one of the pillars of Scottish entertainment and enjoyed a career spanning more than 60 years.

Along with fellow Glaswegians Rikki Fulton, Jack Milroy, Jimmy Logan and Stanley Baxter, he was part of the fabric of post war Scottish comedy.

What set them apart was their ability to turn their hand to almost anything. In his incredible 63-year career Johnny was a stand-up, film and TV actor, presenter, panto dame and TV soap star.

READ MORE: 'At 88, I'm as old as my jokes' - comedy legend Johnny Beattie remembered

McTear’s Scottish Contemporary Art Auction takes place every six weeks and is the largest and most prestigious auction of its kind, with sales showcasing works by some of the country’s leading artists including Peter Howson, John Bellany, Graham McKean, Avril Paton, John Byrne, Jolomo and Gerard Burns.